Getting A Mom: Baby Sitting His Daughter

vast expanse of royal purple, larger than the entire apartment Pearl shared with Ella. A queen-sized bed sat like an island in the center, draped in a lavender duvet so plush it l

r my morning kiss. Pearl stopped at number eight, her heart skipping a beat. Every morning? And there are at least twenty more... "I think you know what to do next," Mia said, hopping onto her bed and crossing her legs. "My bathroom flip-flops." "Where are they?" "In the inner closet," Mia directed with a sharp pointed finger. Pearl stepped into the closet, trying to ignore the miniature designer paradise surrounding her. Focus. Get the shoes. Survive. She grabbed a pair of purple velvet flip-flops and hurried back. "Are you ready?" Pearl asked. "We are ready," Mia corrected, a ghost of a smile appearing. Then she stopped and fixed Pearl with a stare that could cut glass. "I heard that most smiles people wear are fake. Are yours real, Nanny? Or are you just a good actress?" Pearl felt her chest tighten. Oh no. Not the trust test already. Before she could answer, Mia swept past her and headed for the door, leaving Pearl standing in stunned silence. They reached the heavy, reinforced doors of the Master Suite. Mia pushed them open without knocking, triggering a soft, melodic security chime. "Who's there?" a voice barked from within. "It's Mia, Dad." She signaled for Pearl to follow. The air inside Ace's room was different-scented with expensive sandalwood and the sharp edge of power. Ace was at his mirror, adjusting a silk tie. He looked lethal in a charcoal suit. "Good morning, Dad," Mia sang. Ace turned, the ice melting instantly as he scooped her up. He kissed her cheek, eyes softening in a way they nev